I'm getting TIRED of studying biology....

[studyhard]

Okay, this is just whining so don't take me too seriously.

I've scheduled my Biology CLEP for next Tuesday. I've been studying for ten days, some days ALL day. I'm doing okay on the practice tests. I have mapped out the areas left to study and have a rough goal of what I need to cover each day.

I just...........I don't know........feel like goofing off and I'm having trouble keeping myself on track. I'm very adept at procrastinating. I don't WANT to study anymore!!!! And I'm getting tired and kind of discouraged, because the next five months are going to be like this till I finish my degree. I'm trying to take it one day at a time but some days I feel much more grumpy and worn out than others, and this is one of them. Bah humbug. (Of course, I did teach piano lessons all day and didn't start studying till about 9:00 p.m. when I was already tired, so I suppose that could account for my mood......ya think? )

Anyway, if you have nothing else to do, a little e-pat on the head (or maybe an e-boot elsewhere ) would maybe cheer me up a little. And somebody tell me this exam isn't as terrible as everyone makes it sound!

[gcalvin]

You say you're doing okay on the practice exams -- what does that mean? What raw score levels are you hitting? You might be ready to go, and if you are, then definitely give yourself a break. There is such a thing as over-preparing (and of course there is under-preparing too ) which is when you get yourself stressed into a knot, and your performance decreases. Don't do that to yourself.

-Gary-

[ShotoJuku]

[SIZE="4"][COLOR="Red"]You have 93 credits
Goal: B.A. in history[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE="3"][COLOR="Navy"]You're almost home!

Perhaps you shouldn't "StudyHard" just "StudyEasier" yet continue on your journey?

How about viewing the Standard Deviants Biology video, it's somewhat funny and informational too.

Good Luck![/COLOR][/SIZE]

[cookderosa]

Anyway, if you have nothing else to do, a little e-pat on the head (or maybe an e-boot elsewhere ) would maybe cheer me up a little. And somebody tell me this exam isn't as terrible as everyone makes it sound![/QUOTE]
>>

Here's the kick in the back side:
No! This exam will be hard- so what?!?! :eek: You are a good student and a bright person, after all these days you have put into this test you want to drop the ball now? Missing a few days is like taking 2 steps back because you'll forget what you have been working on. Testing out of college shouldn't be easy, and I have decided the difference between the people who have earned their degree and those who have not has nothing to do with brains- it's all about motivation.... it is old fashioned "stick-to-it-ism!" You want to finish or not? Keep going.

Here's the encouragement:
study only the basics, drop anything that has been causing you too much trouble- study the basics so you know them cold. You'd hate to have to do this AGAIN in 6 months....or worse yet, take an entire semester of this class right?!?!?!

Here's me identifying with your frustration:
When I took social sciences and history, I had already taken all of the subjects within the exam except for world history I or II. I didn't (don't) have a good understanding of world history (about 20% of the exam) - so rather than trying to cram hundreds of years from dozens of countries and wars into my brain- I focused on the other 80%, and studied it more. I built upon what I already knew or was the logically next level of understanding. It worked!

Finally, here's your obligation to others:
I start my biology course (101) and study for the CLEP (111/112) on February 1st. I need you to have passed so you can give me the heads up on this subject!! A lot of people are counting on your feedback.

Ok, how was that?

[gus]

I totally understand how you feel 'studyhard'. I took this exam about a couple of years ago. I still remember how painful it was at times (I can actually still see it in my head, the situations when I was feeling like I've had it with the material). I was supplementing IC with a textbook (Campbell's I believe). What worked for me at the time was simple, stubborn, mind numbing perseverance. It does get easier towards the end. I just stopped at a stage where I was confident that I will be passing and focused on other subjects till the examination date.

If you haven't taken Natural Sciences, and if you're ok with Physical Science, the exam is 50% Biology and 50% the former. I just went through one of the general CLEP prep guides on the subject for a few hours. and took the exam the next day, I scored a 70 (same score I got on Biology), which made all the pain studying well worth the 12 credits.

Hang in there, it'll pay off soon.

[studyhard]

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! Wow, it's so nice to have a bunch of friends who know EXACTLY how you feel and can give you a little boost and some practical advice.

I ended up getting very little studying done today due to an outside commitment I'd forgotten about, so now I'm feeling a little stressed. I think that's a good thing. Stress motivates me.

I've gotten about 3/4 the questions right on all three REA practice exams, but that's not always a great indicator. I'm going to brush up on a few areas I'm still fuzzy on and do some IC tonight and tomorrow. Then on Monday I'll take the Official CLEP practice test and see how I do.

Yes, if I flunked this, I could take Natural Sciences instead. But, while Biology is a nuisance, Natural Sciences TERRIFIES me. I had a year of physics in high school and it was AWFUL. Not to mention chemistry! Ick! Oooh! Spare me, spare me!!! So I'm really hoping I pass Biology, LOL!

Thanks everybody!

[mike@kwyk.net]

For what it's worth, I took Biology (63) and Natural Science (66) along with 5 other CLEPs on the same day, with minimal prep for either. I recall feeling that Biology was quite a bit harder, and I don't recall a lot of physics on the Natural Science test.

My biggest surprise on the Biology exam was the amount of cellular biology. It seemed like over half of the test was on the parts and chemistry of cells. Also there's quite a lot on DNA and genetics. There was a lot less classification of organisms and physiology than I expected. Hopefully that helps.

[CDM]

wow- did I hate biology, too, Go ahead and use the Peterson's -- if you get about 50% -- you should be good to go. -----PLEASE do not use the Official CLEP practice test as your finial indicator, though! I passed that very well - but flunked the actual exam. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will all be over soon!!!!!!

[StealingDreams]

For what it's worth, I took Biology (63) and Natural Science (66) along with 5 other CLEPs on the same day, with minimal prep for either.

Where did you go that let you take 7 exams in one day?

[mike@kwyk.net]

Where did you go that let you take 7 exams in one day?

I tested at Portland State University's testing center Center for Student Health and Counseling at Portland State University. I originally scheduled three days of four tests per day. When I got through the fourth test by lunchtime on the first day I asked them if I could go ahead and take more tests. They said yes, and the rest is history I ended up taking three more tests after lunch, then got through the remaining five tests on my second test date three days later. I was able to cancel the third test date that I had scheduled. I took my three DSSTs a week later.

Unfortunately things will slow down a bit now. Friday was the last day of my two month sabbatical from the day job But all that I have left to do now is to retake three Microsoft tests that I failed, take three TECEPs, and take three classes from my local community college. I plan to be done with the TECEPs and Microsoft tests by sometime in March, and the community college classes in May. The plan is to get everything pulled together for the TESC June 30 deadline for September graduation so that I can start my Master's degree at Portland State in the fall.